They left home at 9.00, we followed, but we stopped for a coffee on the way and petrol and still got there ten minutes early.
We walked into the reception area and they were there with their translator.
Bom dia I said as I walked in, looking at them. The translator mumbled back and they just ignored us.
I spoke to the clerk, we had a chat about the weather and we sat and waited.
The judge came in, we said bom dia, they ignored her too
This bloke with the most enormous beard came in and said Good Morning Mr Brian to Grumpy, yes, their new (4th) solicitor who hadn't even met them.
Eventually, Nuno turned up, then went outside to have a long chat on his phone, so we had to wait for him.
In we trooped, to have the positive joy of sitting opposite the moron, who started proceeds by asking where was our translator. Don't need one I said. We then had to listen to the judge (who speaks perfect English) to tell him, in Portuguese, not once, but three times, that a translator is not mandatory. So we had to listen to him moaning about that, three times and his translator doing his bit, three times
His main beef was that one of the branches that we hadn't had cut was in his way and needed to be cut. No problem I said, we'll have it done in a couple of days. He then went on - in his own monotone way of droning - about how our behaviour for the last 18 months has caused him a lot - and then he was told to be quiet
By the translator, not his solicitor 
We have also agreed to remove the yuccas, as he is adamant they are on his land, not on the public right of way.
She then pipes up, asking why we haven't cleaned the right of way.
Actually, it was cut last week, by Jose Felipe and is waiting baling, so that went down well. They have been told that it is up to them to keep the access clear.
Then he moaned about the cement mixer and pile of sand that was there for months. I said that it is not only his right of way, but is also used by other people, which he clearly didn't like and wanted to say more, but Nuno told him that, by law, the access is for any-one using it.
The daft man has it in his head that as he has access, he actually owns it. The poor translator had his work cut out, as everything was said in Portuguese.
So we trooped out and had to pay 35€ for the privilege.
They both, during the hearing, glared at us with such venom, it was amazing so much hatred could come out of people.
I said to Nuno afterwards - I don't think they like us very much
